Floating dock.



PATBNTED AUG. 18, 1903.

H. HYLANDBR. PLOATING DOCK. APPLICATION FILED MAB., 10', 1903.

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No MODEL.

ns co4 mmaurn No. 736,732. PATENT@ AUG. 1a, 1903.

H. HYLANDER. PLOATING DOCK.

`APILIUATION SILBD IAR. 10, 1903. l0 MODEL. 43 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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W/TNESSES: o wml um No.`736,732. PATBNTEDAUG. 18, 1903.

' H. HYLANDER. A

v PLOATING DOCK. APPLICATION FILED MAB. 1o. 1903.l

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Patented August 18, 190s.

PATENT OFFICE.

IIJALMAR HYLANDER, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

FLOATING DOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 736,732, dated August 18, 1903. Application filed March `l0, 1903. Serial No. 147,103. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, HJALMAR HYLANDER, a subject of the King of Sweden and Norway, residing at the city of Baltimore, State of Maryland, have invented a" new and useful Improvement in Floating Docks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to iioatin g docks, and has reference more particularly to the type of docks made up of separable sections which are adapted to be connected together to dock vessels and adapted also to be separated, so that the individual sections may themselves be docked.

My invention is embodied in a dock of this general type in which there are three sections, a main, comparatively long central one, and two smaller end ones, the latter being of a size suflicient only to jointly sustain the weight of the larger one, whereby the central section may be of great length in comparison to the length of the dock over all,

will present a maximum extent of unbroken.

supporting-surface, and at the same time may be safely and effectively docked on the end sections.

My invention is directed mainly to the relative construction of the end sections and central one, having in View great stability and buoyancy, both when connected up end to end and when the central pontoon is docked on the end ones; and the invention consists, first, in forming the central pontoon with side walls overhanging the ends of the same and the end pontoons with side walls adapted when the sections are connected end to end to form continuations of the overhangin g side walls of the central pontoon and so formed that when the end sections are assembled to doek the central one the sidewalls of the end sections will extend beneath the overhanging side walls of the central sections; second, in so forming the end pontoons and the ends of the main central section that when assembled in their different relations the end pontoons may be pumped by pumping mechanism on the main pontoon.

The invention further consists in. the details of construction and combination of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure lis a side elevation of the dock as it appears with the .sections connected end to end ready for use in docking vessels. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of the same.. Fig. 3 is a transverse section, on an enlarged scale, on the line ad of the preceding gures. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the end of the main section and one of the end pontoons separated. Fig.` 5 is a side elevation of the parts of the dock, showing how the main pontoon is drydocked on the end ones. Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 7 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the adjacent ends of the end pontoon `and the central pontoon, showing the pipe connection by which the end pontoon is pumped by mechanism on the main pontoon. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the same.

Referring to the drawings, as shown in Fig. 1, the dock comprises three sections er pontoons, a main central one l of comparatively great length and two end small pontoons 2, the latter of a size sufficient only to jointly have a-lifting capacity when pumped out equal to the weight of the central pontoon, whereby the dock as a whole when the sections are connected end to end will present a central unbroken and uninterrupted supporting-surface of great length in comparisonto the length of the dock over all.

The main central pontoon comprises a horizontal chamber having a supporting-homing 3 and provided with hollow side walls 4, eX- tending upward from the edges of the chamber, which side walls are extended at their ends beyond the Vends of the iiooring, so as to overhang the same, as clearly shown in Figs. l and 3,.the overhanging ends of the walls being so formed as to present horizontal stepped surfaces 4 and 5, one above the other, a vertical surface 7, connecting said horizontal surfaces, and a lower inner vertical surface 6, constituting the end of the horizontal chamber andjoining the inner end of the horizontal surface 4a.

The end pontoons each comprises a horizontal chamber 9, provided with a flooring 10, which constitutes a continuation of the flooring of the central pontoon when the sections are connected end to end, as shown in Fig. 1. From the sides of the chamber 9 rise hollow side walls 11, which are adapted to form con` IOO toons and which are formed at their inner ends to match or fit in the stepped surfaces of the overhanging ends of the side walls of the main pontoon. This is accomplished by forming the side walls of the end pontoon with their inner ends terminating inward of theinner end of the iiooring or chamber 9, so

as to form a -shoulder 12, which shoulder is formed jointly by the upper surface 13 of the wall and its inner vertical end 14. In other words, the horizontal chamber 9 of the end pontoon extends inward beyond the inner ends of the side walls, so that when the end pontoons are connected with the main pontoon with their floorings on a level with the main pontoon the side walls of the end pontoon will fit beneath the overhanging ends of the side walls of the main pontoon and will form continuations of said side walls, the upper surface 13 of the end walls extending beneath the horizontal surface 5, the vertical end 14 of the side walls abutting against the vertical surfaces 7 and the extended tiooring of the end pantoons fitting beneath the horizontal surface 4ta. It is seen, therefore, that in this position of the parts the end pontoons are, in effect, continuations of the main pontoon, both in respect to the flooring and the side walls. By reason of this construction when the main section is dry-docked on the end sections the side Walls of the latter extend beneath and form downward continuations of the overhanging ends of the side walls of the main pontoon, as shown in Fig. 5, where it willbe seen that the upper surfaces of the walls of the end pontoons extend beneath the horizontal surface 4?, with the l inner ends 14 of said walls abutting against the ends of the horizontal chamber of the central pontoon, while the extended horizontal chamber of the end pontoons will extend beneath the ends of the horizontal chamber of the main pontoon. In this position of the parts,witl1 the relative construction of the end pontoons such that their side walls will form downward continuations of those of the main pontoon, the former will be given great stability and will be enabled to effectively support and raise the main pontoon above the water-line without danger of tipping over.

The effect of the construction described is to provide the ends of the side walls of the main pontoon with two undercuts or recesses, one'above the other, respectively, at the angles of the surfaces 5 and 7and 4a and 6 and to form the ends of the side walls of the end pontoons so that vthey will enter or fit in the *supper recesses when the sections are connected to form a dock and into the lower recesses when the central pontoon is supported by the end pontoons to dry-dock the former, the floors of the said sections being so situated in rela- ;tion to these recesses that they will all be on thesame level when the walls ot' the end pontoons are seated in the upper recesses.

The sections of the dock may be connected together in any appropriate manner which will admit'of their disconnection at will; but I propose to adopt the following construction as suitable for the purpose in view.

Referring to Fig. 3, it will be observed that the side platings of the ends of the walls of the main pontoons are extended downward some distance below the under sides of the horizontal surfaces 5 and 4a and have bolted to their opposite sides longitudinally-'extending angle-irons 15, having their projecting ianges seated on the upper ends of I-beams 16, extending longitudinally along the upper surface of the side walls of the end pontoons and along the extended door of the same and firmly secured to said parts. The abutting flanges of the angle-irons and L-beams are connected together by bolts 17,passed through said iianges at intervals, as clearly shown in the drawings. This construction constitutes a tirm connectionbetween the main and end pontoons and affords ample room between the parts for access of workmen to the bolts on the adjacent edges of the beams and anglelrons.

The dock may be equipped with a suitable pumping mechanism, many of which are known in the art, by means of which the water may be admitted to the sections or expelled therefrom, according as it is desired to raise or lower them. By reason, however, of the relative construction of the sections which adapts them to be connected in the relations described I have found that the pumping mechanism of the main pontoon may be so arranged that the end pontoons may be pumped from this single pumping mechanism. I will proceed to describe the method for effecting this object. However, it will be understood that the details may be variously modified within the limits of my invention, which in this connection comprehends, broadly, the means for pumping the end sections by the pumping mechanism on the main section.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8, it will be seen that the main pontoon is provided with pumpsA B, from which main pipes C D are extended in the horizontal chamber to the opposite ends of the same and through these ends, at which points they are provided with valves F. These main pipes when the pumps are operated receive thewater from the main pontoon and discharge the same to the outside. Near their ends each of the main pipes has a branch pipe Gr extending upward from a point inward of the valve' F, and this branch pipe is passed through the side of the chamber and terminates on the outside at a point above the water-line, as shown in Fig. l. The end pontoons are each provided with a main longitudinal pipe H, extended through the inner end of the chamber, at which point it is 'provided with a valve I. From this main pipe a branch pipe K is extended upward and then longitudinally inward through the end of the side wall and on a level with the exposed end of the pipe Gr when the main pontoon is docked ICO IOS

IIO

from the middle pontoon.

gether when the middle pontoon is docked,

which connection is in the form of a rubber hose N or any suitable connection which will admit of the relative movement of the sections. In order that the exposed end of pipe K may be brought in line with pipe G, the side wallsl of the end pontoons are continued outward beyond the walls of the middle section, as shown in Fig. 7. the walls gives the end sections greater stability.

With the connection between the pontoons made in the manner described there will be formed an air-pocket in the branch pipes, which will necessitate a means for priming the pumps,and this is accomplished by providing the drainage-pump O of the main pontoon with a connection P in the form of a pipe extended through the side Walls of the pontoon and communicating with the branch pipe G, an opening g being provided in said pipe for the escape of air.

Vhen starting to pump, the branch pipes are filled with water by the operation of the drainage pumps to destroy the airpocket, after which, the main pumps being operated, the water will be drawn by them through the main pipes and through the branch pipes connecting the sections or pontoons, thereby drawing the Water from the end pontoons. During this operation valves F and I are closed and valves L and a valve Q in the drainage-pipe opened.

When the sections of the dock are connected together end to end, as shown in Fig. 1, the ends of main pipe D of the central pontoon is connected with the end of the main pipe II of the end pontoons by means of a slip-joint R, as shown in Fig. l, which pipes are so situated with relation to each other that they will be in line when the end pon` toons are connected to form continuations of the middle pontoon. In this position of the parts with the pipes connected in this man-A ner the operation of the main pump will draw the water from the end pontoons and In operating the pumps when these pipes are connected valves I and F will be opened and the others closed.

The method of operating the dock is as follows: In order to dry-dock the middle section when the parts of the dock are connect-` ed end to end, as shown in Fig. 1, the pumps are operated and the dock as a whole pumped to light water-line. It is then heeled over, so that access may be gained to the slip-j oints R, which are disconnected, whereuponthe bolts connecting the sections of the dock are removed and water is let into the end pontoons to lower them some distance. They are then fioated clear of the middle pontoon This extension of" and more water admittedto them tosinlr them, after which they are placed under the overhanging ends of the middle pontoon in `the positions shown in Fig. 5, and the branch pipes G and L connected. The pumping operation then begins, and as the end pontoons are freed of Water they will rise, and lift the middle pontoon to the position shown in Fig.

5. When the work iscompleted on themid-` dle pontoon and it is desired to dock the end ones, the latter are first sunk and disconnected from the middle pontoon and iioated free of the same and the middle pontoon then sunk and the end pontoons finally floated `on the same, whereupon the middle pontoon is pumped up, and rising will lift `the end pontoons above the water-line.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim iso l. In a floating doek the combination with a main pontoon `provided with side walls` formed at their ends with overhanging portions, of an end pontoon detachably connect ed therewith and provided with side Walls fitting beneath the overhanging portions of the walls of the main pontoon and forming continuations ot' said walls.

2. In a oating dock the combination with a main pontoon having side walls formed at their ends with recesses, one above the other, of an end pontoon having side walls formed at their ends to fit in either of said recesses, and means for securing the end pontoon detaohably to the main pontoon when fitted in the upper recess.

3. In a floating dock the combination with a main pontoon provided "with side walls formed at their ends with undercuts, one above the other, of end pontoons provided with side walls and a flooring extendinginward beyond the same, the inner ends of said side walls of the end pontoons being adapted to fit in the upper undercut when thesections are connected to dock ships, and adapted to fit in the lower undercut when the central pontoon is to be dry-docked on the end pontoons. Y

4t. In a floating dock the combination with a main central pontoon provided with a fioor ing and side wallsot` two end pontoons detachably connected thereto and provided with side walls and a fiooring extending inward beyond the ends of the same, said fioorings` and walls of the pontoons forming continuations of those ofthe main pontoon,and said end pontoons being adapted to be assembled in such lrelation to the main pontoon that the extended flooring will project beneath the main pontoon,.and the side walls will form continuations of those of the main pontoon.

5. In combination with a main central Vpontoon having` side walls overhanging-the ends of the same, end pontoons detachably con# nected with the main pontoon andy provided with side walls extending beneath and forming a horizontal longitudinal continuation of the walls of the main pontoon, the said end IOO IIO

pontoons being adapted to be so assembled in relation to the main pontoon that the side walls of the former will form a downward continuation of those of the main pontoon, and the main pontoon will be supported by said end pontoons.

6. In a floating dock the combination with the main pontoon, of end pontoons detachably connected therewith, a pumping mechanism on the main pontoon, and means for effecting the pumping of the end pontoons from the mechanism on the main pontoon.

7. In a floating dock the combination with a main pontoon, of end pontoons detachably connected with the same, a pumping mechanism on The main pontoon, and means for connecting said pumping mechanism with the end pontoons.

8. In a floating dock the combination with a main central pontoon, of two end pontoons adapted to be det-achably connected with the main pontoon to form a continuation of the same, a pumping mechanism on the main vsefzsa pontoon, means for connecting said pumping mechanism with the end pontoons when the sections are connected to form continuations of each other, means for assembling the end pontoons in relation to the main pontoon so that the latter will be supported by the end pontoons and dry-docked, and means for connecting the pumping mechanism of the main pontoon with the end pontoons when the sections are so assembled.

9. In a floating dock the combination with detachable sections or pontoons, of a pumping mechanism on one of said sections and connections between the sections; whereby the other section may be pumped by said mechanism.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand, this 18th day of February, 1903, inthe presence of two attesting witnesses.

HJALMAR HYLANDER.

Witnesses:

S. ANDERSON, G. STYRLANDER. 

